The Hybrid Telephony Summit— 2014
(Powered by “Toll-Free”)
We cannot embrace the future by clinging to the past!
Chicago Summit— Sunday,
Sept. 21, 2014 through Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014
At the last-ever “Toll Free” Summit in November, 2013 we proclaimed that "toll-free is dead!".... Well, not completely. Not ever, really, but certainly as we know it!
Yet, toll-free numbers have certainly become a shadow of their former selves. Just propose a toll-free number these days and, in most cases, the very suggestion will be met with “Why do I need that?!”
Today, we propose a replacement term: “Hybrid Telephony,” meaning hybrid telephone services that bridge the phone and Internet. The new toll-free texting services, for example, bond an Internet channel with the traditional analog phone, as will our Visible Voice service. In contrast, services like Skype and FaceTime are pure digital, not hybrid telephony, so no “bridge” is created.
What’s more, we’ve tested the term “hybrid” with toll-free prospects over the last few months and can report that the reception has been amazing. One sales rep said, “I never got so many call backs in a single day!” Over time, we believe, toll-free will become the quaint moniker of the past as hybrid comes inyo vogue.
This evolution parallels the insight deployed in the mortgage industry when they replaced the term “Second Mortgage” — which had become a shameful prospect— with “Home Equity Loan,” which was new, cool, and hip! Powered by toll-free, “Hybrid Telephony” is now open for 21st century business!
In conjunction with the Summit, we are forming and sponsoring a Users’ Group dedicated to voice and visual commerce. The mission of this group will be to advocate for user concerns in Washington, as well as with SMS/800 management team. For too long, telecommunication professionals have held this stage alone and, year after year, key concerns such as theft, fraud, recovery, and registration remain unaddressed, or lost among more provocative issues.
We are honored to announce that Gina Perini, President and CEO of SMS/800, Inc., will speak at the Hybrid Telephony Summit on the "Future of Toll Free."
Gina is a bright, articulate, and visionary leader with a background in new media, intellectual property, privacy law, and strategic leadership. She was appointed in March, 2014 as president and CEO of SMS/800 Inc., the executive management team that oversees toll-free number administration.
Join us as Gina exclusively shares her vision on how toll-free will transition from traditional PSTN to IP functionality and other far reaching issues.
More about Ms. Perini:
Before serving as acting president and CEO, as well as chief administrative officer and general counsel, of SMS/800, Inc., Ms. Perini was managing counsel at GTC Law Group LLP and Affiliates where she advised clients on global business and intellectual property matters in the technology, telecommunications, internet, new media, advertising and consumer product sectors. She has deep knowledge and experience in regulatory compliance, business transactions, corporate governance, technology and licensing, and international privacy compliance. Prior to GTC, Gina was an Associate at Foley Hoag LLP in the business and intellectual property practice groups. Ms. Perini received her Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from William Smith College.
About SMS/800, Inc.:
SMS/800, Inc. provides technology and database administration services utilized by the telecommunications industry. Additional information is available at http://www.sms800inc.com.
Timing— Sunday, Sept. 21 through Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014
We will convene once again in Chicago at the Thompson Hotel, beginning on Sunday night and ending at check-out on Wednesday.
Sunday’s dinner will be held in private room just down the street at one of Chicago famous pizzerias, Lou Malnati’s at State and Rush, sponsored by Dial 800. Plan to arrive in time to dine around 6:30pm (Exact time TBD).
- Monday Sessions, Sept 22, 9am- 4pm (Agenda to follow)
- On Monday night, we will return to the world renowned Gibson's Chicago Steakhouse, directly across from the hotel, sponsored by Michael Markette of CallRevu and Zenith Media!
- Tuesday Sessions, Sept. 23, 9am- 4pm (Agenda to follow)
- On Tuesday night we will watch the Cubs-Cardinals baseball game from the 3639 Rooftop directly across the street from Wrigley.
- Wednesday, Sept. 24, 10am- 12pm. Users’ Group meeting (Casual and may be outside the hotel).
Who should attend— This is an invitation-only summit designed for professional owners and operators of shared-use programs and those who aspire to “build-out” programs based on vanity toll-free numbers. The general sessions are not intended for end users, or for those "professionals" who do not share our core values. if you're not sure if this is for you, please call Loren or one of the other Founders to inquire.
Agenda— We'll be working on the agenda over the next few months, but here are some of the vitally important issues we will be discussing:
Case Studies— Mike Musto of 1-800-Pavement shared his success story last year and we want to find others like this to inspire the group.
Bundling— What kind of business models are most effective? What can each of us share with the group to enhance marketing?
Texting Toll-free— Several companies are now offering text to toll-free numbers. Find out the latest and how texting is being used!
Visual Telephony— If texting is an appetizer, then visual telephony is the main course! Find out how this will help create a renaissance in remote commerce.
New SMS management team— What this means to SMS/800 operations and service offerings. What positions should we take as a group to ensure that we maintain status quo or better?
Codified transfers— This is the defining issue of our time. What steps do we take to codify transfers without raising ancillary issues that provoke inaction?
"Your Ideas Here!"— If you know of something that should absolutely be included in this year’s summit, please call or email Loren.
Register below for this invitation-only event— Please note, by registering and/or attending you agree to permit your name and photographic likeness in all forms and media for advertising, trade, and any other lawful purposes.
REGISTRATION SPECIAL!!! Be sure to book your room at once-- even if you're not 100% sure you can attend! The Chicago hotel market is hot, hot, hot in September so you not get a last minute room. Indeed, our $209 block expires in early June, so don't dealy. Early registrations is just $890, all inclusive. Book today!
If you plan to bring someone who did not attend one of the three “Toll Free” Summits, please call to clear them in. See criteria here. Certain "Joey's" are not welcome!... Sorry boys. No Sharks allowed. We reserve the absolute right to reject anyone's registration for any reason.
Hotel Book Now!!!— Please plan to stay at the Thompson Hotel, even if you have alternative lodging available. We had to guarantee “room nights” in order to secure the meeting room, so every night counts!
Our group rate– and commitment level– is a bit higher this time than the November summit. September meeting space is in high demand. You may call-in reservations at 312-266-2100 or use the on-line reservation system with the group code “14091VANIT”. Phone in reservations are booked under the "Hybrid Telephony Summit."
The $209 group rate is good Sunday through Wednesday, September 21 through 24th, and the hotel may (or may not) charge a premium if you plan to stay over the weekend leading up to the Summit. In order to extend your reservation, either book first on-line and then call-in to extend or just call into reservations. The $209 rate is only good if you book now for this fall.
Valet Parking—Don’t!!! You remember our friend Vinney. He’s still scamming the valet for over $60/night, but you won’t see him paying ‘dose rates! Call me and I’ll set you up across the street.